Sports topics and headlines make great small talk at work. These workplace conversations will help you break the ice, cultivate stronger rapport and lay the foundation for future interactions. Below is a rundown of a just a few hot topics in the sports world this week. Just read the summary, click on the link for more information and ask the questions provided.

NCAA Football – As expected LSU and Alabama will play in the BCS Championship game January 9th. The rest of the bowl pairings were announced Sunday, with the first bowl games beginning December 17th. There is still some controversy and question about which teams made it into the top tier of games. Do you feel LSU and Alabama deserve the rematch for #1? Are you in favor of the current system or favor a playoff system?

NCAA Football – The Heisman trophy will be awarded Saturday in New York. It’s been a close race for the top contenders. (The finalists will be announced Monday.) The winner is usually a quarterback, but it’s not limited to QB’s. Which criteria do you think is most important in determining the Heisman winner?

MLB – The Baseball Winter Meetings are underway in Dallas. The hot stove is heating up – that’s the trades and trade rumors. The two biggest free agents on the market are Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. How do you feel about them seeking big money long-term contracts? Where would you like to see them go?

Tiger Woods – Tiger moves up 31 spots in the world rankings following his first tournament win since 2009. In the time since, he’s faced a significant amount of drama, changed his swing, his coaches and his caddy. Do you think this win means he’s back to the “old Tiger” and on track to win more?